Looking for a change of scenery without blowing your budget? Here’s our selection of low-budget vacation destinations for a month’s travel at under 1,000 euros!
Is your desire to travel endless, but your budget much less so? No problem! Taking to the open seas generally requires a substantial budget.
And yet, it’s perfectly possible to combine a vacation with a low budget. The recipe is simple: a good dose of anticipation, a zest of organization, a pinch of tricks and, above all, a selection of the least expensive destinations.
In this article, Generation Voyage tells you about 6 countries where you can spend a month with less than 1,000 euros in your pocket.
1. Nepal
A land of treks, mountain villages, Buddhist temples and breathtaking Himalayan vistas, Nepal promises adventure at every turn. This country is an anthology of strong emotions.
The ultimate routes to Everest and the Annapurnas attract walkers from all over the world, as well as enthusiasts of rafting, canyoning, climbing, kayaking and paragliding.
This accessible destination can also be experienced in a gentler way, by wandering through old towns, joining Tibetan pilgrims and exploring sacred Buddhist sites.
Nepal also offers a surprising immersion in the jungle, home to rhinoceroses, crocodiles and even tigers. Regardless of all these riches, few countries lend themselves so well to budget vacations.
How to travel on a budget in Nepal?
Although Nepal is one of the least expensive countries on the planet, here are a few additional tips to help you save even more. Note, however, that all prices go up in the mountains and on treks.
First of all, you’ll be able to eat very cheaply in Nepal(between 1 and 3 euros), away from the tourist areas. The most economical dishes are Dal Bhat, Chowmein noodles and Momos. Another option is to shop at a mini-market or greengrocer’s, for example. These meals will never cost you more than 3 euros.
As far as accommodation is concerned, a dormitory bed in a youth hostel costs an average of 5 euros, making it the most economical option. If you’re staying in the same place for 1 month, why not opt for an apartment rental? You’ll find plenty of accommodation for around 200 euros a month.
Finally, to save money on transport, there’s nothing better than the colorful and slightly crazy microbuses, which cost half as much as the tourist buses.
Practical info
- 🗣️ Language: Nepali but many Nepalese speak good English
- 💶 Currency: Nepalese rupee
- ☀️ Best period: high season is between October and November. The skies are clear and temperatures are warm. It’s the best time to set out to conquer the mountains. The shoulder season, from March to April, is a good alternative, especially when the rhododendrons are in full bloom, making the landscape even more beautiful. It’s also the right season for smaller budgets.
2. Laos
Slow down. Treat yourself to a low-budget vacation to the soothing rhythm of Laos, with its natural assets and friendly people. They live their lives to the peaceful rhythm of intact traditions, inviting you to silence and simple pleasures.
One magical landscape follows another on the outskirts of the cities. Sharp cliffs, mysterious jungle, raging rivers and, of course, the mythical Mekong.
To top it all off, Laos boasts some sumptuous remains, including a large number of temples and pagodas. Everywhere, you’ll have the joy of meeting monks in saffron robes and experiencing precious moments with the locals.
How to travel on a budget in Laos?
In this most welcoming of countries, it’s easy to spend a month on less than 1,000 euros. For example, you can opt for economical, authentic homestays. Another option is to stay in decent dormitories for less than 10 euros a night (in the more touristy areas).
Most Laotians travel by bus, and this is undoubtedly the most economical means of transport. Local bus journeys can cost as little as 50 cents per hour. If you’re looking for greater comfort, don’t panic: VIP buses covering longer distances cost less than 10 euros.
When it comes to food, street food is your ally: a plate of rice and vegetables with a little meat will cost you just 1 euro. Even the more elaborate dishes sold in small family restaurants cost less than 5 euros.
Practical info
- 🗣️ Language: Lao
- 💶 Currency: Kip Lao
- ☀️ Best period: the ideal season is from November to March, when temperatures are pleasant over most of the country. Only mountainous areas remain cool. The summer months of July and August, although rainy, have the advantage of offering fabulous green landscapes and are suitable for smaller budgets.
3. Bolivia
Firmly rooted in the traditional way of life, Bolivia offers not only a low-budget vacation but also one of the most authentic journeys in South America.
The Andean peaks, the salt desert of the Salar d’Uyuni and the Amazon jungles make up most of Bolivia’s natural landscape. Travelers are sure to be impressed by the wide-open spaces and incomparable natural phenomena.
This natural wealth is combined with a striking cultural richness. It’s impossible to travel to Bolivia without witnessing, at one time or another, a colorful parade or demonstration.
How to travel on a budget in Bolivia?
Bolivia is a very inexpensive country, but it’s still possible to make extra savings and travel for a month on less than 1,000 euros.
First of all, you can look into night bus journeys, which cost about the same as a night in a hostel and allow you to optimize your schedule while saving one night. Alternatively, colectivo cabs cost almost 80% less than private cabs.
Accommodation prices are relatively stable from city to city, but for a change, youth hostels are much cheaper, especially dormitories(less than 10 euros a night).
If you like street food and saving money, Bolivia won’t disappoint you. Opt for small local restaurants with generous portions that will fill your belly for less than 2 euros.
Practical info
- 🗣️ Language: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
- 💶 Currency: Boliviano
- ☀️ Best period: from May to October, days are generally sunny and the weather stable. Temperatures remain cool only in the Altiplano. The shoulder season, from October to November, still offers dry weather, but temperatures start to rise sharply, heralding the rainy season. This is a good time for a low-budget vacation.
4. Guatemala
A colorful church, the nonchalant smoke of incense sticks, offerings to the Mayan gods. Then, the colorful architecture borrowed from the Spanish conquest, the bright bricks and ceramics.
Then there’s a land of forests and national parks, with lush vegetation and lakes surrounded by volcanoes.
Finally, a paradise for hippies and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Guatemala is a captivating, deeply mysterious country that welcomes many travellers looking to cross the globe on a budget.
How to travel on a budget in Guatemala?
To travel for a month on less than 1,000 euros in Guatemala, several things count. Prefer chicken buses (local, rickety buses) to shuttles (for tourists). If shuttles are your only option (especially for long journeys), they will always cost less than private cabs or air travel. To make sure you get off to a good start, don’t hesitate to take more than one shuttle.
Guatemala has plenty of accommodation for less than 10 euros per person per night, the cheapest being youth hostels.
To eat on a budget, head for the « comedores » where the menu costs less than 3 euros and will keep your stomach pumping all day long. If you’d like to save even more, buy food from the markets, especially the famous tortillas made on every street corner.
Practical info
- 🗣️ Language: Spanish
- 💶 Currency: Quetzal
- ☀️ Best period: the two peak seasons are December to April, and June and July. The weather is mildest throughout the country. However, the shoulder season, from October to November and just before the rainy season, is a good compromise. Prices are more attractive and temperatures remain pleasant.
5. Colombia
Colombia is a land of wonders. You’ll find pearly Andean peaks, Caribbean beaches, unspoilt Amazon rainforest, mysterious archaeological sites and flamboyant colonial towns.
This incredible diversity of landscapes is complemented by intense cultural traditions, a unique sense of festivity and a gastronomy that delights the taste buds. Not to mention the fabulous hospitality of the Colombian people and the relatively low cost of living.
How to travel on a budget in Colombia?
Colombia is one of the cheapest countries in South America after Bolivia, but as always, it’s always possible to optimize further to travel there for a month on less than 1,000 euros.
By sleeping in a dormitory(6 to 7 euros a night) and eating in small local restaurants(less than 5 euros), you can easily travel for a month at less than 1,000 euros. And that’s even if prices vary from region to region.
Colombia has a very functional and safe bus network: take advantage of it, it’s the cheapest option. You’ll find them called colectivos or chivas, and you’ll recognize them because they’re often packed to the rafters.
Practical info
- 🗣️ Language: Spanish
- 💶 Currency: Colombian peso
- ☀️ Best period: climates in Colombia vary greatly from region to region. Nevertheless, the high season commonly runs from December to February. However, low-budget vacations are more feasible during the shoulder season, from March to September.
6. Philippines
The Philippines are perfect for budget vacations. You can visit in any season, as long as you choose the right region.
These islands stand out from the countries of Southeast Asia and Indonesia. They are strongly influenced by Spanish and American culture, yet have their own unique identity.
The Philippines is a true paradise for fans of seaside tourism, tropical islands and picture-postcard scenery. And let’s not forget the welcome and smiles of the Filipinos, a people whose optimism puts a smile on your face.
How to travel on a budget in the Philippines?
First of all, the best way to optimize your budget and travel for a month on less than 1,000 euros, is to sleep in a youth hostel or in a room with a local. A handful of euros is enough to pay for the night.
If you want to eat on a budget, you can easily turn to street food, which will set you back 3 euros a meal. Perhaps a little less when you get away from the more touristy streets.
What can quickly become expensive in the Philippines is transportation. From one island to another, air travel is the only option. To avoid spending too much, make sure you book your flights in advance and check the online comparisons.
Otherwise, concentrate on a maximum of two islands during your stay. Buses and tuck-tucks are the most economical (and authentic) means of transport in the region. Scooter rental can be a good option (around 10 euros a day).
Practical info
- 🗣️ Language: Tagalog and English
- 💶 Currency: Philippine peso
- ☀️ Best period: the dry season in most of the country stretches from December to April. Temperatures are particularly pleasant. From May onwards, the thermometer rises, heralding the rainy season in the north. In the south, on the other hand, the best period is between August and October.